Birthday Party

The moment I walked into my apartment after the summer camp, my roommate Yvonne says she tried to call me but I didn’t answer. I’m thinking “Yeah, I was teaching.” And “Glad I turned my phone on silent.” The reason she called was to tell me there was a birthday party for all faculty members with birthdays in this month. And I was invited! So we turned right around and found the room (walked to 2nd floor then to 1st floor then back to 2nd floor).

She pushed me in, and then left. I was a little surprised. But they took care of me. A gentleman stood up and gave me an envelope. Then a plate was put into my hands. I took some food from the buffet table and sat where they told me. I met Emily from the personnel office and she was very helpful and friendly. She sat across from me. Another English teacher (male) sat next to me. I think he stayed so I would have someone to talk to. The party started at 12, I got home at 12:38 and we found the room by 12:45. So it was the very end.

Funny thing (made my roommate laugh): I’m still getting used to chopsticks so I had a little trouble today. There was a round-ish vegetable that I wanted to eat. But I couldn’t pick it up!! I tried a few times and then gave up. The English teacher said they could bring me a fork, but I refused. I’m trying to adapt to my surroundings. I also ditched a piece of chicken because I couldn’t get the meat off the bone. I’ve eaten chicken at home, but, honestly, I used my fingers. It was much more stressful to eat with chopsticks when people were around!!

So the envelope contained a nice card (in Chinese. I’ll have to ask my roommate to translate) and a red envelope with $1000 NT. Thirty dollars! I was surprised, but pleased. Yvonne called it a birthday bonus. And I guess I’ll get one for the next holiday (sometime in Sept. and I forgot the name) and for Chinese New Year. Cool! They also gave me a little box with my own cake as I was leaving. Here are some pictures.

P.S. They were playing “happy birthday” music. It was the same track over and over – English then Chinese. I could have walked out and sung the Chinese version for you (but I forgot it already).

The meal was prepared and served by the students. They have restaurant-style rooms and bar-style rooms where the students can practice. It was pretty nice. I took my camera, but decided not to take any pictures during the party.